Kakamega: Chaos as Teargas Is Lobbed at Malala, Senator Methu During DCP Western Tour

• Police officers fired teargas canisters at residents and supporters of the Democracy for Citizens Party deputy leader, Cleophas Malala, during a political rally in Kakamega
• Amid the turmoil, Nyandarua senator John Methu sought shelter after teargas and live bullets struck his vehicle, leading to his temporary disappearance
• Malala and local residents condemned the police, accusing the Kenya Kwanza regime of using security forces for political intimidation

Kakamega: Democracy for Citizens Party deputy leader Cleophas Malala and Nyandarua senator John Methu were forced to seek refuge as police deployed tear gas at Kakamega protesters.

Police officers from Kakamega Central Police Station fired teargas canisters at residents of Kakamega town on May 24, while Malala was addressing the crowd.

During the chaos, Methu was forced to seek cover after tear gas and live bullets struck his vehicle, resulting in his disappearance.

Earlier, at around 10 am, police dispersed a gathering at Amalemba Grounds where Malala was scheduled to address his supporters.

He was forced to board a motorcycle, which helped him enter the town’s central business district.

A few minutes after entering Maziwa Road, police surrounded Malala’s convoy and fired teargas at his supporters.

Residents led by Julie Nekesa have condemned the incident, saying that everyone has the right to assemble anywhere in this country.

"We want to tell those police that according to the Kenyan constitution, everyone has a right to assemble, but suppressing Malala's gathering is illegal," Nekesa said.

Did Malala call out police for lobbing teargas?

While addressing residents, Malala condemned the incidence saying the work of the police is to protect Kenyans, he further wanted his supporters to remain calm.

As he continued promoting the newly launched party as he vowed to ensure President William Ruto serves only one term, despite facing intimidation from security agencies.

"We will make sure Ruto is a one-term president, even if he sends more police officers we won't sit back as our people continue struggling, this rally was meant for my homecoming as a newly appointed Democracy for Citizens Party deputy party leader," Malala said.

Malala condemned the violence at his rally, urging police officers to adhere to their constitutional duties and not be used for political purposes by the Kenya Kwanza regime.

"I condemn the brutality that the police have shown us, we as a country need peace, but the police are busy throwing teargas at us, some even have shot at our cars," Malala lamented.

As it was market day in Kakamega town, some businesses closed while police patrolled the area, firing teargas canisters to disperse small gatherings.

Shots fired during Gachagua's DCP launch

The DCP party, founded by former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, encountered challenges since its inception.

On Thursday, May 15, unrest broke out during the party's launch event in Lavington, Nairobi, when alleged thugs disrupted the gathering.

Initially, Gachagua and senior party officials engaged with supporters, sharing the DCP’s vision focused on justice, public service, and empowering grassroots communities.

However, the situation quickly deteriorated after the formal proceedings, as the unexpected intrusion sparked chaos, forcing leaders and attendees to seek safety amid shouts and scuffles at the venue.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke